|| KUSHTI कुश्ती - Traditional Indian Wrestling ||

Most countries have a traditional style of wrestling. In India, wrestling takes place in a clay or dirt pit. The soil is mixed with ghee and other things and is tended to before each practice.

We all have seen the movie Dangal and we felt the character.City of Joy has its own AKAHADA,the place where wrestling is being practised .The Akhada is situated in Mullick Ghat,beside Howrah Bridge ..

Pehelwans starts their day at 4:30am with a Hanuman (Bajrang Bali) prayer followed by a series of physical exercises - the mace (gada), weights, ropes, bars and aerobics. Nandu is the first one to perform the mace exercise. Swinging a 30 kilo wooden gada (Indian club) is an ultimate test of endurance. A strict regimen of 500 push-ups, 500 sit-ups is followed by hours of practice in the soil pit.

The various techniques of close combat kushti like Dhak, Nikas, Dhobi Pachad or Kanpheri are specially designed to defeat the opponent in freehand combat.

Jwala Tiwari is a man of positive vibes who lives and breathes his love and commitment for his sport.Tewary is the head of this AKHADA.

Jwala Tewary, the head of the Akhara.

Jwala Tewary started his journey in the year 1961 ,he is an national wrestler.He teaches wrestling to girls also and all of them have won nationals.Previously the AKHADA was situated at Dhakapatti, Kalakar Street. It is one of the oldest AKHADA on the city

I am 57years old and I am in this sports for the last 45 years ,my father,my uncle they all used to be a wrestler,Jwala Tewary said.

I will continue this practice till my last breath and will keep giving lessons to younger generation said Jwala Tewary.

Photos- ©Tirthankar Das